ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
I
n recent years, there has been exponential growth in the use of digital devices. There are now six billion mobile phone subscriptions
and more mobile devices worldwide than people. By the end of 2013, more people will use mobile phones than PCs to get online. Global mobile phone penetration will reach 90% by 2014. The following year global mobile transactions are expected to be worth US$1 trillion: there will be 448 million mobile-payment users by 2016. This growth in mobile use delivers
real benefits for business travellers: 89% say that mobile technology improves their travel experience. Travellers have easier access to the information they need, when they need it, and travel itself is easier to manage. Smartphones and tablets also enable communication with colleagues and family as well as access to business applications and entertainment. Growth in the use of digital devices is generating increasing demand for consumer and commercial solutions to meet business needs. We could all get by for a day or two without our wallets, but without our phones? It’s doubtful. For global corporates, digitisation
is resulting in significant changes to their organisation and their employees’ business life. Through a number of channels, including the Client Advisory Board and Client Conferences, Citi asked some of its largest global clients what digitisation means to their organisation, their employees and what capabilities would add value to their working lives.
WHAT DOES DIGITAL DELIVER? Citi clients want access to high- quality, accurate information from anywhere in the world at any time. From a mobile perspective, digital provides a more convenient, flexible and efficient way to work because it no longer ties users to a desk. It enables users to view past statements; search for key data, make payments and change spend limits at a time and place that suits them. Data availability in the world
of commercial cards means not only enhanced data capture and
optimum security of data storage but also 24/7 access from anywhere, globally. Increasingly clients are accessing this data via a range of digital devices. The first step in improved data
access is improved data capture. Citi has been working with new technologies and with partners in the travel industry to develop new ways to capture data for the business traveller. One such development is the Citi Travel Account Plus, which uses single-use Virtual Card technology, XML API integration and 100% data capture for a specific travel booking. Reliable data capture results in
improved reconciliation and reporting; two items that Citi's clients regularly raise as key to making their own processes more efficient.
Citi uses digitisation to reduce payment costs and help clients boost their operational efficiency so that personnel, capital and financial resources can be put to better use
As well as digitisation improving efficiency, it also helps to provide maximum account security through improved fraud management. Whether in the office or travelling, customers want to be made aware of, and kept up to date on, items important to them. One way of meeting this customer need is through the creation of interactive real-time alerts, which are simple to set up or amend and use both email and SMS channels. Clients regularly cite multi-lingual self-service as core to their employee requirements. The global nature of Citi’s footprint and systems results in versatility in terms of the countries where cards can be used and the range of languages supported by both software user interfaces and by service personnel
STEVEN ROBSON Head of Wholesale Cards EMEA Citi Transaction Services
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ACCELERATING CHANGE In the past five years, the way people use technology has changed beyond recognition with the widespread use of smartphones and tablets. The pace of change continues to accelerate. Digitisation of products and servicing is now a necessity to survive and grow – it is no longer just a value-add. Digitisation has helped to improve customer loyalty, protect margins and enhance client efficiency. In commercial cards, digitisation possibilities exist throughout the value chain. To prosper in this new and rapidly
evolving world, it is essential that you work with a bank that has a consistent track record of innovation in technology and digitisation. For Citi Commercial Cards, digitisation is a crucial tool to deliver benefits to clients. Citi uses digitisation to reduce payment costs and help clients boost their operational efficiency so that personnel, capital and financial resources can be put to better use. Digitisation streamlines and simplifies the payment process, increases transaction control and eliminates the risks associated with other payment types. Moreover, it reduces the potential for fraud, provides an audit trail and makes reconciliation more efficient. Citi is a leader in commercial cards
and is recognised as a technology innovator. For example, it has been a pioneer in the delivery of services using smartphones and tablets. Similarly, it has long recognised that data is a valuable asset – it was the first card issuing bank to establish its own data warehouse. By using data effectively, Citi can deliver insights that help clients to manage its suppliers and improve efficiency. Citi combines its strength, its
technology and digitisation with globally consistent market-leading services and support, coupled with on-the-ground local knowledge. As a result, Citi is ideally placed to help clients to harness the benefits of digitisation in the world of commercial payments to improve efficiency, lower costs, reduce risk and enhance the working lives of its clients and their people. n
2013 Buying Business Travel • 25
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36